Is this asthma? - Asthma Message Board

MattM · 05-16-2001, 06:52 AM

Back in Feb this year I had a small touch of pneumonia following a chest infection. It was diagnosed by chest X-Ray, CAT scan and Bronchoscopy. A course of antibiotics and steriods (tablet and inhaler) were prescribed to clear it. I'm 29yo and non-smoker. Blood tests and biopsies all proved negative for cancer, TB, Hep A,B,C etc. Pneumonia cleared within 3 weeks but I still have to persistently clear my throat. Went back to doc who did CAT scan for nasal drip and Gastroscopy (yeuch!) to test for GERD, both showed positive. Since start of May I've taken steroids and decongestant for the nasal drip and antacids for the GERD and all problems seem better but not gone. My main worry is that after 30-40 mins of aerobic exercise the the cough worsens for a couple of days and it feels as if my lungs are filling up again like when I had pneumonia. The symptoms subside after 2-3 days and remain alright until I next exercise. OK, the easy solution is not to exercise but how long is this likely to be for? Has anyone seen these symptoms before and does it sound like asthma? My doctor can give a positive test for asthma but it is risky as it may cause anaphalactic(?) shock so I'm reluctant to do it until I've completed the course of drugs for the GERD and nasal drip.

Thanks.

kdoubleu · 05-16-2001, 08:01 AM

My doc tests my asthma with something called peak flows. He has me breathe into a tube that's connected to a machine and that tests my lung capacity. Do you know if UK docs do a test like that?

rosilita2 · 05-16-2001, 04:12 PM

i know there is a drug that they give you when your doing a lung breathing test if there is some doubt as to your having asthma. it can cause an attack in some asthmatics. i have had the test without the drug as my tests overwhelmingly showed asthma so there was no need to give the drug. as your doc for a pft test. their simple you just breath into a tube and the computer records it and comes out with a diagnosis. you only need that drug if your test comes out inconclusive

MattM · 05-17-2001, 04:41 AM

Thanks...... looks like I should take the breathing tests.